D. McM. Gregg to C. Ross Smiru, October 24, 1863

October 24, 1863. Lieut. Col. C. Ross Smiru, Chief of Staff, Cavalry Corps: CoLONEL: I have the honor to make the following report concerning the horses of this division since leaving the Rapidan on the 18th of September :

Horses. Reported serviceable ine. caczde save Meee eee tity ea em Re te eee 8, 144 Reported unserviceable (with hoof and other diseases)…………..++eee0: 8 Lost in action and abandoned since leaving Rapidan…………….0.es0005

Brigade commanders report the horses now in service in their brigades in very poor condition, the result of almost constant use and insufficiency of forage. No hay has been received in this division for more than two weeks, and for several days since leaving the Rapidan but a fractional portion of the allowance of that forage could be procured.

If required to accomplish a march of 150 miles in five days, 20 per cent. of the horses now in use in the division would be totally unfit for service.

very respectfully, your obedient servant,